Spokane, WA

We have been hearing all summer about the new Spokane County Aquatics Center at 61st and Freya and how you get to take your toddlers on the slides. My son loves slides so earlier this week dad got off a little early from work and we headed up.

The South Hill Aquatics Center is open 7 days a week from 10:30-5:30. The cost is $5 for adults, $2.50 for children 3-7 and children under 3 are free. (Children under 3 must be in a swim diaper even if they are potty trained. Our friend’s learned the hard way, but they do sell them for $1.65.)

After we changed into our swim suits, we locked our stuff in a locker, found some chairs for our towels and headed into the water. We started in the zero depth entry pool where the kiddie toys were and a small slide. After a few times on the little slide we wandered over to see what the age height limit was on the other slide. You have to be at least 48″ tall to ride by yourself, but any age can ride with a parent.

Now the slide, in my opinion, is not your low key water ride. It is a high flowing ride that you can either ride a tube down, single or double or ride without a tube. My husband and son decided to try the ride without a tube the first time to see how fast it went. Before I knew it, I saw them flying out and my son laughing and sreaming for more.

After a few times riding without the tube, they decided to brave the tube. Once again they had a ton of fun. However, we did try the double tube and while it was fun, I would not recommend it if you are holding a child on your lap. It was a little too fast.

On a weekday afternoon the pool was not too crowded, however, I heard on the weekends the place is packed. I am hoping to hit the park one or two more times before the end of the summer.

There is no outside food or beverages allowed, but they do have a good concession stand and grill items. For more information, give them a call at 509-477-4731.